Introduction
The short story “A Worn Path” by Eudora Welty is set in the rural South. The novel follows Phoenix Jackson, a senior African American female, as she travels to find medicine for her grandson. As she travels, Phoenix encounters various environments that profoundly affect her personality and the reader’s impression of her. This article will examine three settings from the narrative and how they affect readers’ perceptions of Phoenix.
The Opening Scene
The opening scene, in which Phoenix is strolling along a “worn” path, serves as the first setting in the narrative. This scene establishes the tone for the remainder of the narrative and conveys Phoenix’s tenacity and fortitude to the reader. As Phoenix navigates the “dead leaves and pine needles” on the walkway, Welty depicts her “dark striped dress” and “red rag” (Welty 2). This environment helps the reader understand the challenges Phoenix has already encountered in her life and her willingness to move forward despite them. Phoenix is portrayed in the first scene as a strong, resolute lady who will do whatever it takes to support her family.
The Encounter with The White Hunter
The encounter with the white hunter is the story’s following key location. This incident, which occurs in the middle of the narrative, emphasizes the racial tensions in the South at the time. The hunter initially treats Phoenix with snobbery, refers to her as “Granny,” and questions her intelligence (Welty 4).
Phoenix, however, does not let his actions stop her from completing her job, and she eventually outsmarts him by persuading him that she poses no threat. This incident demonstrates Phoenix’s fortitude and cunning in the face of difficulty. Despite coming into bigotry and discrimination, she finds a method to overcome it rather than letting it stop her.
The Town Setting
The place where Phoenix goes to get medicine for her grandson serves as the story’s last location. It is important to note that Phoenix is most completely developed in this environment. Phoenix finds herself in the town where she is treated with respect and kindness, and she finally gets her grandson’s medication (Welty 7).
But this environment also highlights the physical and mental toll that her trip has had on her. She loses her bearings and becomes bewildered in the town, forgetting why she initially went there. This environment emphasizes Phoenix’s voyage’s toll on her body and mind, but it also emphasizes her resolve to keep going despite the difficulties.
Conclusion
In summary, “A Worn Path’s” three settings significantly influence how the reader feels about Phoenix Jackson. Each setting showcases Phoenix’s resiliency, creativity, and resolve while revealing other facets of her personality. Phoenix’s strength is established in the first scene, creating the tone for the rest of the narrative. The run-in with the white hunter brings to light the racial tensions present in the South at the time and emphasizes Phoenix’s capacity for overcoming difficulty.
Last but not least, the town setting exhibits Phoenix’s character in its most complete light, displaying her journey’s toll on her and highlighting her resolve to persist in the face of adversity. Welty portrays Phoenix Jackson as a strong, determined, and resilient lady who will go above and beyond to support her family in these three locations.
Works Cited
Welty, Eudora. “A Worn Path.” The Atlantic Monthly, vol. 167, no. 2, 1947, pp. 1-9.